Punch Shots: Viewers tuning in for World Cup drama

Miami soccer fans Kyle Ohlenschlager, left, and Joe Wasserkrug react after the US soccer team scored its second goal during a World Cup match against Ghana Monday. The match was the second-most-watched sporting event on ESPN this year. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

John Anthony Brooks’ goal in the 86th minute Monday night did more than give the United States an improbable win in its opening game of group play at the World Cup.

With one well-spotted header, Brooks might have galvanized a skeptical fanbase.

Everyone points to soccer as that fifth major sport that has yet to find its long-range footing in America. It has a loyal and passionate fanbase, outsiders will say, but not even the staunchest of sports-crazed supporters stand behind soccer. It’s too slow, too low-scoring and too possession-oriented, the doubters might add.

Well, based on television ratings and other intangible numbers produced by the United States’ 2-1 victory over Ghana, the doubters might be in the minority:

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• The match garnered 15.9 million combined viewers (nearly 11.1 million on ESPN and 4.8 million on Univision).

• It was the second-most-watched sporting event on ESPN this year, trailing only the BCS National Championship.

• It recorded 11.093 million viewers on ESPN, the most for a men’s soccer match in the network’s history.

• It triggered 4.9 million tweets.

• It was the ninth-most-watched English-language soccer broadcast in the nation’s history.

The United States have an uphill climb to survive group play and make noise in the knockout stages. American captain Clint Dempsey, who scored 32 seconds in against Ghana, will have to play with a broken nose. Forward Jozy Altidore, who strained his left hamstring, might miss the rest of the tournament. Two others picked up knocks.

And then, you know, there’s that whole Group of Death thing. The U.S. will need results against Portugal (Sunday, 6 p.m.) and Germany.